Expert: Jim Hyland - 9/10/2009

Question
I have a 6' blue spruce which was planted in Oct 2008. The tree has two branch tops that make a "V" at the top of the tree. I want to trim one of those branches off but I don't know if it will harm the tree. It doesn't look terribly bad, however the tree would look nicer with just one branch at the top of it. Please let me know what you would recommend.
Thank You

Answer
Yes you can prune off one of the v branches. I would select the shorter of the two to cut. the tree may look a little lopsided for a while but the remaining branch will become the terminal branch and will fill out over time. Cut the branch about 1/4 inch from the trunk not flush with the trunk. This will allow the wound to heal faster--you don not need to pint the wound with a wound dressing.